GIOVE - standing for 'Galileo In-Orbit Validation Element' - is the name that has been chosen for the two satellites which are currently being prepared to take the first step of the In-Orbit Validation phase towards full deployment of Galileo, the European satellite navigation.

The name GIOVE was announced by Ms Karla Peijs, the Dutch Minister of Transport, Public Works & Water Management.

GIOVE A, the first of the two satellites, was presented to the media while undergoing final preparations at the ESA - ESTEC test facilities in Noordwijk the Netherlands.